The Oak Park Planning Commission voted to approve a special land use request submitted in the name "Esther" to operate a group daycare for seven to 12 children at 26041 Marlow Place.

Supporters from the community told the commission the neighborhood needs additional licensed child-care slots. Avram Elkonin said the neighborhood has seen an influx of new families and called the proposal "extremely beneficial to Oak Park." Another commenter, Naki Soloff, echoed the need for more providers. The applicant told the commission she is working with the state on licensing and said, "I need to get zoning in order to continue with my process to receive my license," adding she is a parent of four and expects to operate roughly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Commissioners closed the public hearing after questions about hours and licensing, and a motion to approve the special land use was moved and seconded. The roll call vote carried and commissioners congratulated the applicant. The transcript records the approval but does not provide individual roll call tallies.

The record contains a minor name ambiguity: the petition is listed as submitted by 'Esther' and a commissioner asked on the record, "Is that Buna Green?" The applicant did not provide a clear confirmation of a last name on the public record during the hearing. The commission's approval allows the applicant to proceed with state licensing and any local conditions attached to the special land use.